The first ever Asian Cricket awards were a huge success at the home of cricket, Lords. World renowned cricketers to behind the scenes organisers, all were recognised and appreciated in a glamorous evening. The prestigious event was hosted by BBC Radio presenter Nihal Arthanayake and Isa Guha, former England women’s cricketer.
The ‘Grassroots’ award was handed out to Gopi Raj who is the founder of the England Tamil League. Amjad Aziz, vice chairman of the Birmingham Parks Cricket League took the ‘Behind the Scenes’ award, Attock Chairman Naz Khan won the ‘Inspiration’ award and the ‘Asian Cricket Club of the Year’ was awarded to London Tigers. Co-founder Baljit Rihal said in his speech during the evening: ‘We are not only interested in recognising those that play the game, we also want to celebrate those that make it all happen’.
It was also designed to limelight upcoming young Asian talents and the ‘Amateur Player of the Year’ was rewarded to Simran Panesar and Ravi Patel was awarded the Professional ‘Young Player of the Year’ award after he was contracted by Middlesex and also a part of the England Lions team.
Isa Guha who was co-hosting the event and is also an IPL presenter was given the ‘Media’ award for bringing Asian cricket into the limelight. Former England Captain commentator Nasser Hussein was given a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ and the first British Pakistani to play cricket in England, Wasim Khan was recognised with a ‘Special Recognition Award’. On receiving the award Khan said: “I was very lucky. I was found in a schoolyard by a teacher who saw me playing cricket and said to go for Warwickshire under-13 trials.”
Although there are vast numbers of south Asians playing cricket across Britain, the numbers of those who have made it to the top is scarce, but one man who over the last 12 months has not only enhanced his reputation dramatically but has also given positive publicity to the Asian community was none other than Moeen Ali who deservedly won the ‘Professional Player of the Year’.
Grassroots
Gopi Raj (England Tamil Cricket League)
Amateur Player of the Year
Simran Panesar (Warwickshire U19s)
Professional Young Player of the Year
Ravi Patel (Middlesex, England Lions)
Woman in Cricket
Salma Bi (Worcestershire)
Coach of the Year
Qasim Ali (Lancashire South Asian Talent Search, England Physical Disability Squad)
Media
Isa Guha (IPL TV Presenter, Former England Bowler)
Behind the Scenes
Amjad Aziz (Vice-Chairman Birmingham Cricket League – Parks League)
Asian Cricket Club of the Year
London Tigers (Inner-City London)
Inspiration
Naz Khan (chairman, Attock CC)
The Founders – Lifetime Achievement Award
Nasser Hussain OBE (Former England Cricket Captain)
The Founders Special Recognition Award
Wasim Khan MBE
Professional Player of the Year
Moeen Ali (Worcestershire and England)
